Finland needs to take urgent steps to raise awareness among Finnish companies that they are criminally liable under Finnish law if they, or their local agents or subsidiaries on their behalf, bribe public officials when doing business abroad.

This survey of legal professionals on awareness and impact of bribery and corruption was carried out by the International Bar Association with OECD support. This survey is part of a broader initiative involving the OECD, the IBA and the UNODC.

“The introduction of corporate liability into the Slovak Republic’s legislation is a very welcome development,” Mr. Gurría commented. “It sends a strong message of commitment to the fight against corruption and helps create a level playing field for firms competing internationally.”

“For the global economy, corruption is dangerous,” he said at the OECD in Paris on 31 May. “The consequence is economic decay, not development. And that’s why corruption demands a truly global response – one that knows no limits on collaboration.”